On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the Supreme Court of Missouri ruled on the disciplinary charges filed against St. Louis attorney James I. Crabtree for sexual misconduct.
The case is titled “In re: James I. Crabtree” with case no. SC99937.
Crabtree pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of deprivation of rights under color of law, namely the woman’s right to bodily integrity, and a felony charge of making false statements to the FBI. The case stemmed from charges that Crabtree, a former Jefferson County prosecuting attorney, offered to assist a woman with her pending criminal cases and told her that if she didn’t engage in sexual activity, she would wind up in jail and lose her children, according to the press release by the United States District Attorney’s Office, for the Eastern District Committee.
U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark sentenced Crabtree to 18 months prison term, on February 7, 2023.
According to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith, Crabtree “offered the woman liquor and prescription drugs. He then referenced two of the victim’s cases that he was prosecuting, and told her that he could help get cases in other courts dismissed, according to a recording that the victim made of the encounter. Crabtree said, “…I can be a very valuable friend,” and unsolicited, gave the victim $300.”
A St. Louis local news reported that “Crabtree then kisses the woman and can be heard asking her to undress. Sentencing documents read in court Tuesday say Crabtree then performed a sex act on the woman before fondling himself in front of her.”
The Chief Disciplinary Counsel filed information relating to Crabtree’s conviction and sought the imposition of discipline against him.
Accordingly, the Court ruled against Crabtree in relation to his above-cited conviction.
The disposition reads:
“It is ordered that Respondent, James I. Crabtree is hereby suspended from the practice of law pending the final disposition of any disciplinary proceeding based upon such conviction or misconduct that resulted in said conviction.
It is further ordered that Respondent immediately advise the Court when the disposition of appeals if any, shall become final.”
Mr. Crabtree was a municipal prosecuting attorney for Jefferson County, prior to his resignation in March 2022. He has been admitted to the Missouri bar.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
